Generic Aricept

Generic aricept donepezil is available under the brand name: Aricept, Aricept ODT. It is used to treat dementia of the Alzheimer's type. It has been useful in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease, as well as in patients with severe Alzheimer's disease.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Generic aricept donepezil is an oral medication used to treat Alzheimer's disease. It belongs to a family of drugs called cholinesterase inhibitors that also includes tacrine (Cognex). It is assumed that Alzheimer's disease may occur due to a deficiency in chemicals (neurotransmitters) used by nerves in the brain to communicate with one another. Donepezil slows down acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that causes destruction of one neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. This result in increased concentrations of acetylcholine in the brain, and the increased concentrations improve condition. Donepezil improves the symptoms but does not slow down the progression of Alzheimer's disease. FDA approved Donepezil in 1996.

Dosage and Administration

The recommended dose of Generic aricept donepezil in mild to moderate alzheimer's disease is 5 mg and 10 mg once per day. The dosage quantity will vary from patient. Only your doctor can say what amount of dosage is right for you. In severe alzheimer's disease also, a dosage of 10 mg once daily has been proved effective.

In the controlled trials in mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease10 mg dose was administered to patients for one week and it led to a higher incidence of cholinergic adverse events than the 5 mg dose. In open label trials the patients taking the 5 mg and other patients taking 10 mg dose for a 6 week titration showed no different response. The same adverse events were noticed in both groups. Therefore, since fixed state is not achieved for 15 days and because the high dose of medicine can increase the incidence of troublesome effects, patients should not use a dose of 10 mg until have been on a daily dose of 5 mg for 4 to 6 weeks.

Generic aricept donepezil has to be taken in the evening, just before retiring. ARICEPT® can be taken with or without food.

Allow Generic aricept donepezil tablet to dissolve on the tongue and follow with water.

Side Effects of Aricept (Donepezil)

Generic aricept donepezil has also caused some side effects. The side effects of Generic Aricept are most likely to be minor and temporary. However there also some serious side effects that require medical attention. The patient has to notify the doctor or visit the nearest hospital immediately if they occur.

It is pertinent to note that side effects of Generic Aricept cannot be anticipated. If any side effects of Generic Aricept develop or change in intensity, the doctor should be informed as soon as possible.

Some of the most serious Generic Aricept side Effects may be abnormal dreams, arthritis, bruising, depression, dizziness, fainting, frequent urination, headache, pain, sleepiness and weight loss.

This is not a complete list of all Side effects. Do correspond with your doctor and follow his directions completely when you are taking Generic Aricept.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Overdose

Generic aricept donepezil if taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, contact your doctor or nearest hospital immediately.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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